Periodically, we will do a blog post that is merely a discussion of "whazzup" with our HAM radio life. After we took our road trip Friday The 13th, we've not been too busy with HAM stuff. We have managed to check in every day with the Knobby Knee Net at 7 am (Arizona Time). This net is conducted by the Verde Valley Amateur Radio Association. The net's a total hot. The more we listen in, the more we enjoy it. Each operator has their own personality and interests, of course. Over time, one begins to learn more about the "regulars" and what they are doing and thinking and so forth. Everyone's behavior is so pleasant and polite. It's really refreshing and we are very thankful for the miracle of Echo Link to be bale to check in ourselves and listen, too. Sometimes we actually listen to the entire net which is often nearly two hours long. Luckily, we can multi-task while we are listening so we're not just sitting there glued to the speakers. I check in and the other participants often have something to say about my remarks. I feel very welcome there on that net. It's great!
I returned the ARRL General Study book to Gary W. who lives a few doors to the west of us. We chatted about our mutaul neighbor Chuck A. who has his Technician license but isn't doing anything with it. Gary agreed to give both Chuck and myself a tour of his radio shack this coming week. I then talked with Chuck and asked him to participate so things are looking good in that direction.
I also did participate for the second time in the local Tuesday 9 pm net. The operator KK7Q calls roll and those who are present on the air repeat their call signs. This process generally takes less than 30 minutes. It dawned on me this week that I ought to use a digital voice recorder to capture the roster of active call signs. Then I could use QRZ to make my own roster of local club members. The local club does not send out an Alpha or Call sign roster like the VVARA does. I really would like to know who's who here in Idaho Falls.
I've been thinking about Terance C.'s suggestion to put up a fixed antenna here at the house. It would have to be something that could come down during the winter when we're gone so we wouldn't worry about it toppling into the roof of the house. The only practical place to position the antenna is in a location that is a major ice dam area during the winter so its existence during the cold season isn't practical. The more I think about putting the ground plane there, the more I like the idea. We shall see.
I need to find out for sure if and when there is going to be a General test coming up in June. Sadly, it's difficult to get information about such things here. I'd like to upgrade to General. Speaking of upgrades, I did change my address on the FCC database and they sent me a new and updated hard copy license. I need to go get that laminated.
KK7Q (Terry T.) has offered to use his SWR meter to analyze the ground plane. I doubt that I will do that unless and until I erect it above the house. I've also decided not to pursue DSSTV as I need to spend the money on other stuff. Although I am very intrigued by DSSTV, I know that I won't really be using it hardly at all, if ever, so there's no point in spending the money for stuff that will simply sit around.
Finally, I went to the local Motorola shop on First Street. The guy there takes care of a lot of two-way radio communication needs for local businesses. He doesn't carry HAM radio stuff, per se. But he DOES stock RG58 coax cable and all the connectors you can imagine. He will put together custom cables for a reasonable fee of perhaps $10 per cable plus the cost of the coax and connectors. That's real nice to know. He seems like a cheerful and friendly guy.
Well, that's my late May update. Have a Great Day & Many Cheers! 73, jp
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